NewJersey Resources Corporation (NJR)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
NJR
NewJersey Resources Corporation
$55.40
-1.44%
UTILITIES · Cap: $5.59B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$39.49
-0.35%
UTILITIES · Cap: $11.19B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essential Utilities Inc generates 15% more annual revenue ($2.47B vs $2.15B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 15.2%. NJR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.23. NJR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
NJR
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-34.7%
Fair Value
$39.24
Current Price
$55.40
$16.16 premium
Margin of Safety
+47.6%
Fair Value
$71.49
Current Price
$39.49
$32.00 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.6%
Revenue surging 23.9% year-over-year
Strong operational efficiency at 32.4%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 7.6%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 30.0%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NJR
The strongest argument for NJR centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.2% and operating margin at 29.6%. Revenue growth of 23.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WTRG
The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.9% and operating margin at 32.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : NJR
The primary concerns for NJR are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
WTRG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.77 — expect wider price swings.
NJR is growing revenue faster at 23.9% — sustainability is the question.
NJR generates stronger free cash flow (-140M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NJR scores higher overall (61/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 15.2% margins and 23.9% revenue growth. WTRG offers better value entry with a 47.6% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
NewJersey Resources Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
New Jersey Resources Corporation, an energy services portfolio company, provides regulated gas distribution and retail and wholesale energy services. The company is headquartered in Wall, New Jersey.
Essential Utilities Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Essential Utilities, Inc. operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
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